09/15/2020
In these times of sickness, worldwide pandemic, and economic trouble, where do we turn for comfort? When the daily promises of cures, vaccines, and financial turnarounds, give us hope on one day only to be dashed to the ground on the next, where do we look for hope that will not fail us? As these things cause us to teeter on the verge of depression, who brings meaning back to life? Only God, and He through His Son Jesus Christ.
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
Psalm 119:50 ESV
The world offers us nothing that is guaranteed, it holds out false hope, and uses that lie against those who suffer for its personal gain, but Jesus offers us truth, and never sugar coats the troubles we face in our life. He acknowledges our hardships and suffering, and then offers to help us bear the burden of them...
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
So where do we turn for our comfort? Do we turn to the morning news, and watch the latest spin on calamity that is meant to turn our heads this way and that, or do we turn to Jesus who weeps with us when we come face to face with death, and tells us to rise... just as He did with Lazarus...
“When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.””
John 11:43-44 ESV
Death can’t bind what Jesus has set free. We can take our full measure of comfort in that. He has defeated death, and what man, what government, which false prophets, or false gods can deliver on such? Jesus lived in flesh as we do, died as we do, and was raised victorious from the tomb, full of everlasting life... the same life He offers us. He not only takes our load, but removes from us the burden of sin, and has freed us from the slavery of death itself...
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
Hebrews 2:14-15 ESV
In these times of strife, when we suffer, and wring our hands in fear, there is only one escape from our anxiety, and it is God our Father Almighty, and we come to Him through our faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 ESV
Out of His boundless love, God sent His Son to redeem us, and to be a comfort to us, and at the request of Jesus He also sent another comforter who is with us today and forever... His Holy Spirit.
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
John 14:16-18 KJV
In God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit we find the truth, and comfort, that the world can never deliver. Though the pandemic races round the world, mobs rage in the streets, evil wields it’s weapons, and the politicians and news media use our need for hope to satisfy their desires, we will not be dismayed, nor will we live in fear, for our God is with us, His Son has redeemed us, and now intercedes for us, and His Holy Spirit guides us... all giving us their soothing comfort, and the rest we so desperately need. So I ask again... “In these times of sickness, worldwide pandemic, and economic trouble, where do we turn for comfort?”, and all God’s children said... to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the comfort and rest that you provide us, and for the truth you speak into our lives. We lean on you Lord, and find the full measure of our hope To be satisfied in your Word, and promise. Stand between us and the world Father, and defend us against its bitter, evil, and sinful ways. Open your mouth against the lies and deceit running rampant, swing your sword to sever the head of the evil that pervades the raging mob, and heal us of all illness of body, mind, and soul. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose love for us is deeper than we can fathom. Great are you who rescues us from sin, death, and ourselves. Merciful are you Lord, who sent you Son to redeem us, and your Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us. We praise you for the grace by which you deal with us, and the blood of Christ that washes us clean. Lift us up with Jesus, and find us made worthy by His sacrifice. Hear our prayers, and answer them with the rushing wind, and small still voice of mercy. Seat us at your table Father, and let us abide in your house forevermore.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah”
Psalm 46:1-7 ESV
Rich Forbes